Big Ten Tournament Preview: March Madness Bids and Seeding on the Line

The Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament is upon us, tipping off Wednesday and offering a crucial stage for teams to solidify their NCAA Tournament aspirations or improve their seeding. The tournament, held in Indianapolis, promises a week of intense competition, with several teams vying for the coveted Big Ten title and a guaranteed spot in the Big Dance.

For some, like Michigan State, Maryland, Wisconsin, and Purdue, the tournament is about refining their game and securing a favorable seed in the NCAA Tournament. These teams have consistently demonstrated their strength throughout the regular season and are widely projected to receive bids to the national tournament. Their performance in Indianapolis will influence their seeding and potentially their path to the Final Four.

On the other hand, Indiana and Ohio State find themselves on the bubble, their NCAA Tournament hopes hanging in the balance. A strong showing in the Big Ten Tournament is essential for these teams to impress the selection committee and avoid being left out on Selection Sunday. Every game is a must-win scenario, and the pressure will be palpable as they battle for their postseason lives.

The Big Ten Tournament boasts a wealth of talent and intriguing storylines, making it a must-watch event for college basketball fans. The tournament format allows for potential upsets and dramatic finishes, adding to the excitement and unpredictability. As teams compete for the championship, individual players will also have the opportunity to showcase their skills and elevate their draft stock.

How to Watch the Big Ten Tournament

The Big Ten Tournament will be broadcast across various platforms, ensuring fans can catch every thrilling moment. The first round games will be exclusively streamed on Peacock. The second round and quarterfinal matchups will be televised on the Big Ten Network, providing comprehensive coverage of the tournament’s early stages.

The semifinal matchups and the championship game will be broadcast on CBS, offering a national audience the opportunity to witness the crowning of the Big Ten champion. For those seeking streaming options, Fubo offers a free trial, allowing access to the CBS broadcasts of the semifinals and final.

Day-by-Day Breakdown of the Tournament Schedule

All times Eastern.

Wednesday:

• Game 1: No. 12 Minnesota vs. No. 13 Northwestern, 3:30 p.m. | Peacock
• Game 2: No. 10 Ohio State vs. No. 15 Iowa, 25 minutes after Game 1 | Peacock
• Game 3: No. 11 Rutgers vs. No. 14 USC, 25 minutes after Game 2 | Peacock

Thursday:

• Game 4: No. 8 Oregon vs. No. 9 Indiana, noon | Big Ten Network
• Game 5: No. 5 Wisconsin vs. Game 1 winner, 25 minutes after Game 4 | Big Ten Network
• Game 6: No. 7 Illinois vs. Game 2 winner, 6:30 p.m. | Big Ten Network

Friday:

• Game 7: No. 6 Purdue vs. Game 3 winner, 25 minutes after Game 6 | Big Ten Network
• Game 8: No. 1 Michigan State vs. Game 4 winner, noon | Big Ten Network
• Game 9: No. 4 UCLA vs. Game 5 winner, 25 minutes after Game 8 | Big Ten Network
• Game 10: No. 2 Maryland vs. Game 6 winner, 6:30 p.m. | Big Ten Network

Saturday:

• Game 11: No. 3 Michigan vs. Game 7 winner, 25 minutes after Game 10 | Big Ten Network
• Game 12: Game 8 winner vs. Game 9 winner, 1 p.m. | CBS

Sunday:

• Game 13: Game 10 winner vs. Game 11 winner, 25 minutes after Game 12 | CBS
• Game 14: Game 12 winner vs. Game 13 winner, 3:30 p.m. | CBS

Teams to Watch

• Michigan State: The Spartans enter the tournament as the top seed and are considered a favorite to win the championship. Their strong offense and stifling defense make them a formidable opponent. Tom Izzo will have his team ready to go.

• Maryland: Maryland has enjoyed a successful season and possesses the talent to make a deep run in both the Big Ten Tournament and the NCAA Tournament. Their guard play is particularly strong.

• Wisconsin: With a rich basketball tradition, Wisconsin is always a threat in the Big Ten. Their disciplined style of play and experienced coaching staff make them a tough out.

• Purdue: Last year’s national runner-up, Purdue, looks to capture the conference tournament title this year. They will rely heavily on their star players to advance deep into March.

• Indiana & Ohio State: Both teams are fighting for their tournament lives and must come up with some upsets to secure a spot.

Potential Upsets and Storylines

The Big Ten Tournament is known for its upsets, and this year is unlikely to be an exception. Teams on the bubble will be playing with a sense of urgency, while those with less pressure may relish the opportunity to play spoiler. Keep an eye out for potential Cinderella stories and unexpected victories.

The tournament also presents several compelling storylines. Will a bubble team emerge as a surprise contender? Can a top seed maintain its dominance throughout the week? Which players will elevate their game and become household names? These are just some of the questions that will be answered as the Big Ten Tournament unfolds.

Conclusion

The Big Ten Tournament is a pivotal event in the college basketball calendar, offering teams the opportunity to secure NCAA Tournament bids, improve their seeding, and compete for a prestigious championship. With a wealth of talent, intriguing storylines, and potential for upsets, the tournament promises a week of thrilling basketball action. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, the Big Ten Tournament is an event you won’t want to miss. Tune in to Peacock, the Big Ten Network, and CBS to witness the excitement and drama as teams battle for March Madness glory.